Effect of silver-plated expanded graphite addition on thermal and electrical conductivities of epoxy composites in the presence of graphite and copper

초록

To enhance the thermal and electrical conductivities of epoxy composites, we prepared epoxy composites containing hybrid fillers consisting of graphite (G), expanded graphite (EG), and copper powder (Cu). EG was electrolessly silver (Ag)-plated to improve the better conductivity properties of the composites. Ag-EG, G, and Cu were incorporated into the epoxy to form hybrid composites (Ag-EG/G/Cu). The Ag-EG surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscope, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The thermal and electrical conductivities of Ag-EG/G/Cu were tested using a laser flash analysis and a four-point probe electrical resistivity tester, respectively. The results indicated that the thermal and electrical conductivities of the composites were enhanced by the addition of the hybrid fillers with the creation of an interconnecting conductive pathway. In particular, the conductivity properties were enhanced with an increase in the Ag-EG content, which played a key factor in determining the thermal and electrical conductivities.

키워드